Q&A: Tanzania's envoy urges citizens to tap into opportunities in South AFrica, SADC

ANSWER. It is true that Tanzania and South Africa share a long history of solidarity and cooperation.

In a nutshell, our bilateral relations have continued to be nourished through numerous engagements, including the high-level exchange of visits by the presidents of both countries, exchanges involving ministers, experts, government officials, and other key public figures, all contributing to the enduring ties between our nations.

It is worth mentioning that the lifting of visa requirements for both Tanzanians and South Africans wishing to visit either country has also enhanced people-to-people contacts, thereby facilitating business engagements between Tanzanians and South Africans.

Since its establishment in 1994, the High Commission of Tanzania to South Africa has steadfastly fulfilled its mandate to strengthen the bond between Tanzanians and South Africans.

Our mission has been pivotal in advancing Tanzania’s national interests within South Africa, safeguarding the welfare of Tanzanians residing in South Africa, Botswana, and Lesotho, and fostering robust economic and bilateral relations.

We have worked diligently to facilitate diplomatic channels, enhance government-to-government communication, and preserve the deep-rooted relations that have flourished over the years.

Today, Tanzanians and South Africans benefit from a steadily growing business partnership, with over 250 South African companies operating in Tanzania and numerous Tanzanian companies registered and thriving in South Africa.

The recent resumption of ATCL’s passenger and cargo flights, offering direct connections between Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam) and OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) five times a week, is expected to elevate our diplomatic and economic relations to new heights.

Moreover, cognisant of the fact that diplomatic relations enable all other engagements between countries to prosper and yield the desired outcomes, it is therefore worthy to honestly acknowledge that more work needs to be done in order to further connect more businesses and economic contacts between Tanzanians, South Africans, Batswana and Basotho.

Thus, I take this precious opportunity to emphasise the paramount need for more Tanzanians to seize trade and commercial opportunities existing in the southern part of our continent for mutual advantages.

 With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) now in effect, how is Tanzania positioning itself to leverage new opportunities in South Africa, Botswana, and Lesotho? What role do you envision for Tanzanian businesses in strengthening and expanding trade relations with these countries?

 The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a landmark treaty establishing a continent-wide trade zone aimed at boosting intra-African trade in goods, services, investment, and intellectual property, thereby enhancing Africa’s presence in the global market.

Central to its mandate, the AfCFTA seeks to dismantle trade barriers and facilitate greater economic integration across the continent.

Notably, as of August 2024, 54 countries have signed the agreement, with 48 of them having officially ratified it by depositing their instruments of ratification.

Therefore, with the AfCFTA up and running, connecting people across the continent and facilitating trade within and beyond the African continent, one needs to see the AfCFTA platform as an opportunity that will benefit Tanzania not only within South Africa, Botswana and Lesotho but also across the 54 signatory nations and beyond.

In this context, it is important to acknowledge the significant advantages we are set to gain from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as we pursue opportunities essential to our national interests.

The AfCFTA has provided us with additional avenues for engagement, complementing the extensive opportunities we have already been exploring through our strong bilateral relations with other African nations, including South Africa, Botswana and Lesotho.

These relationships have positioned us well to capitalise on the benefits of regional integration and trade enhancement.

Tanzania and South Africa have established numerous bilateral arrangements aimed at facilitating trade.

The most recent of these, comprising 22 agreements, was signed in March 2023 during the Bi-National Commission (BNC) held in South Africa, with the signing witnessed by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her South counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa.

Similar bilateral agreements exist between Tanzania and both Botswana and Lesotho, further enhancing our cooperative ties. Collectively, these agreements represent a wealth of opportunities that the AfCFTA has made accessible.

As a diplomat entrusted with promoting relations between Tanzania and the countries to which I am accredited, I urge my fellow Tanzanians—particularly those engaged in business—to explore the market opportunities available in the Southern region, where there is a significant demand for various products, including agricultural goods.

Despite the frameworks in place to facilitate trade, the number of Tanzanian companies operating outside our borders does not reflect the vast opportunities that await them.

In this regard, I humbly call upon the Tanzania National Business Council (TNBC), the Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF), the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (TCCIA), and similar organisations to leverage our diplomatic missions abroad—such as embassies and high commissions—to connect more Tanzanians with potential partners and opportunities in these markets.

All Tanzanian ambassadors and high commissioners are prepared and eager to assist any Tanzanians seeking to establish their business presence in our respective areas of accreditation.

We recognise the abundant opportunities available, particularly in agribusiness and other sectors, and we encourage all to reach out. Now is the time to act and seize these opportunities.

 As a seasoned diplomat, how do you see the future of pan-Africanism and regional integration? How can Tanzania, through your leadership as High Commissioner, contribute to strengthening the Southern African Development Community (SADC) goals?

During the 1960s, the concept of pan-Africanism primarily aimed to unite Africans against colonialism while encouraging the struggle for self-determination and freedom.

Today, through various regional integration schemes, independent African nations are called upon to further unite, pooling their collective efforts and leveraging their abundant natural resources for economic growth and development.

Tanzania is widely recognised for championing the independence struggles and the right to self-determination for many African countries since the 1960s.

As Tanzania continues to stand in solidarity with other nations in pursuit of a common agenda for environmental protection and other global responsibilities requiring collaborative efforts, it remains an active member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union, among other organisations.

As the Tanzanian High Commissioner to South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, as well as a Permanent Representative to SADC, my primary responsibility—especially at this time—is to assist President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who also serves as the Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security, in effectively executing her mandates.

Tanzania is committed to leading the Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security in fulfilling its essential role in fostering peace and stability in the SADC region, particularly as several member states prepare for general elections.

This is a noble task, and as the High Commissioner accredited to SADC, there is much more to be done to positively contribute to the strengthening of the organisation.

 Cultural diplomacy is increasingly being recognised as a soft power tool to enhance bilateral relations. How is the Tanzanian High Commission promoting Tanzanian culture in South Africa, Botswana, and Lesotho? Are there specific programmes or cultural exchanges that are being facilitated to bring the people of these nations closer?

Tanzania is home to approximately 120 ethnic groups, each contributing to a rich tapestry of cultural diversity. Every tribe possesses its unique traditions, languages, and customs.

However, all Tanzanians are united by the Swahili language, which is on the path to becoming Africa’s lingua franca.

Currently, Swahili is spoken in many countries around the world and is used in the East African Community (EAC), SADC and the African Union (AU).

Furthermore, UNESCO has recognised Swahili as a language that fosters peace, unity, and cultural diversity globally.

More than just a means of communication, Swahili symbolises Tanzanian and African traditions, culture, and way of life.

While each ethnic group enriches Tanzania’s cultural heritage and history, the Tanzanian High Commission to South Africa, Botswana and Lesotho actively promotes the teaching and use of the Swahili language alongside the Tanzanian culture.

Now Swahili is currently taught at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, the University of Cape Town and the University of Botswana.

Additionally, a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Tanzania and South Africa aims to enhance cooperation in basic education and facilitate the teaching of Swahili in South African schools.

Both countries have made significant progress in implementing the MoU, and actual teaching is set to commence soon.

Moreover, Tanzania and South Africa have jointly hosted cultural festivals and numerous cultural exchange visits.

The High Commission is currently finalising plans to establish Swahili teaching classes and launch a Swahili Cultural Centre, which will showcase Swahili music, traditions, clothing, cuisine and way of life.

The Tanzanian Diaspora in Southern Africa plays a crucial role in fostering relations between Tanzania and host countries.

 How does the High Commission engage with Tanzanians living in South Africa, Botswana, and Lesotho to strengthen economic and social ties between them and their homeland?

The Tanzanian High Commission to South Africa, Botswana, and Lesotho serves as the patron for all Tanzanian diaspora communities within these three countries.

Through its consular and various diplomatic functions, the High Commission actively engages with the diaspora in matters pertaining to its affairs, including trade and investment activities, community meetings and events, networking opportunities, as well as cultural and educational programmes.

The High Commission encourages members of the diaspora to invest in Tanzania and to extend their remittances, thereby contributing to the nation’s economic growth.

Additionally, it advocates for the active participation of the Tanzanian diaspora in socio-economic development initiatives within Tanzania, fostering a strong connection between the communities abroad and their homeland.

 In your role as Tanzania's High Commissioner, what strategies are being implemented to attract more investments from South Africa, Botswana and Lesotho into key sectors like agriculture, energy, and tourism in Tanzania? How can Tanzanian businesses reciprocate and invest in these countries?

 The High Commission has diligently executed its mandate to promote Tanzania’s economic interests through a range of investment promotion activities, the implementation of bilateral trade and commercial agreements, and the encouragement of South African companies to invest in Tanzania.

As a result of these efforts, approximately 250 South African companies have successfully invested in Tanzania.

To further enhance bilateral engagement in the agriculture sector, the High Commission has facilitated the preparation of a Memorandum of Cooperation between Tanzania and South Africa, which is pending signature.

Once signed, this memorandum will significantly bolster agricultural cooperation between the two nations.

In an effort to promote tourism and trade among Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana, and Lesotho, the High Commission has successfully facilitated the preparation and issuance of the necessary flight operation permits for Air Tanzania Company Limited.

This will allow for the resumption of direct passenger and cargo flights between Dar es Salaam and Johannesburg, scheduled to commence on November 30, 2024.

The High Commission views this achievement as a major milestone that will increase the number of tourists visiting Tanzania and facilitate cargo movements between the two countries.

Moreover, the High Commission has effectively engaged with the Botswana Investments and Trade Centre (BITC) to establish a framework for mutual cooperation between Tanzania and Botswana in investment promotion and trade facilitation.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening investment promotion and fostering reciprocal cooperation among investment and trade entities from Tanzania and Botswana is expected to be signed by the end of December 2024.

Additionally, from October 3 to 5, 2024, the High Commission facilitated a high-level visit by Vice President Dr Philip Isdor Mpango to the Kingdom of Lesotho.

During his visit, Dr Mpango acknowledged the progress made by both countries in enhancing economic engagement between their peoples.

He urged Lesotho's business community to explore trade opportunities with their Tanzanian counterparts and emphasised the importance of expediting the conclusion of a General Framework Agreement on Economic, Scientific, Technical, and Cultural Cooperation, which Tanzania submitted for prompt consideration to establish a Joint Permanent Commission for mutual benefit.